Manufacturing in London, Ontario

London, Ontario (not to be confused with that other London… you know the one from England), a short 30 minute drive down the 401 from our machine shop in Tillsonburg. The forest city, home to the London Knights, birthplace of John Labatt and training ground for NHL players such as Rick Nash, Corey Perry and Brendan Shanahan. Most important of all, a city with an established and growing manufacturing industry.

This team is really good though. 

Nearly since our existence, London has provided a large amount of opportunities to expand our business and find new customers. The city features leading manufacturing companies such as 3M, Brose and General Dynamics Land Systems. While GDLS represents our largest client, other London companies we work with include Autoneum, Cantwell, Deetag, Hanwha Canada, Johnson Controls and more. According to LEDC, manufacturing companies in London employ over 30,000 people and contribute $5 billion in GDP. It is a city positioned for rapid growth.

General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario 

London has also provided us with a pool of skilled workers to choose from as well a place to gain an education in manufacturing and machining. Many of our skilled machinists have received certificates from Fanshawe College’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. We also have several employees that live in London and make the short trip out to our machine shop.

Fanshawe College on a beautiful sunny day

The London Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that’s goal is to improve the economic well-being of Londoners through the growth and expansion of local businesses and the attraction of new business to London. On their website, they have a great section on manufacturing and the benefits of working in London. Below are some of the highlights.

Industry Highlights from LEDC

London’s location on the NAFTA superhighway, at the junction of highways 401 and 402, provides quick access to a wide range of supply chains.

Proximity to three border crossings (Detroit, Port Huron and Buffalo) within two-hour trucking distance provides excellent opportunities for just in time delivery as well as servicing a diverse range of customers

World-class infrastructure, from certified industrial sites to highly reliable utilities, which are designed specifically for manufacturing industries
Workforce development that takes a proactive approach in matching plant needs with skilled and experienced talent, as well as job ready programming at our education institutes

Municipal commitment to manufacturing sector that includes master-planned industrial parks, convenient municipal permits

Western’s Mechanical Engineering program provides students with the opportunity to specialize directly in manufacturing, giving them the essential knowledge to work in this specific sector. World-class research facilities such as WindEEE Dome, Surface Science Western, and Fraunhofer Project Center assist manufacturers in developing new products and technologies.

Fanshawe College’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program prepares students for many important and practical aspects of manufacturing. Programs like industrial maintenance, millwright, CNC machining and logistics provide qualified graduates to London manufacturers.

If you are considering London, Ontario as city to work in or a place to go to school, you will be sure to find an opportunity for both. To check out careers at our machine shop, click here.